Bussaco

Bussaco (Buçaco in Portuguese) refers to a historic hill and forest area in central Portugal, located in the Serra do Buçaco near Mealhada in the Coimbra District. The Mata Nacional do Buçaco, a protected national forest, covers the hilly landscape and is noted for its landscaped groves and a mix of native and non-native tree species planted over several centuries. The area contains a network of footpaths, viewpoints, chapels and grottoes, and is managed as a recreational and ecological site.

The Palácio do Buçaco, a 17th-century building within the forest, stands as a prominent landmark and today operates as a luxury hotel. The site is home to cultural and architectural elements that reflect its historical significance.

The Battle of Bussaco was fought nearby on 27 September 1810 during the Peninsular War, when British and Portuguese forces under the Duke of Wellington defeated a French army commanded by Masséna.

Today Bussaco is a popular destination for walking, birdwatching and historical tourism. It is accessed mainly by road from Coimbra and Mealhada and is part of Portugal's protected landscapes.